Early Life
Craig McCaw was born on August 11, 1949, in Centralia, Washington. His father, J. Elroy McCaw, was involved in the broadcasting business, which exposed Craig and his brothers to the media and communications industries from a young age. The family later moved to Seattle, where Craig attended the Lakeside School.
Rise to Success
McCaw began his career in the cable television industry, taking over his family's small cable company in Centralia after his father's death in 1969. He expanded the business through acquisitions, turning McCaw Cablevision into a significant player in the cable market. In the early 1980s, McCaw saw the potential of the emerging cellular phone industry and began acquiring cellular licenses. His strategic acquisitions and aggressive expansion made McCaw Cellular Communications the largest non-wireline cellular provider in the United States. In 1994, McCaw sold McCaw Cellular to AT&T for $11.5 billion, a pivotal moment that solidified his place in telecom history.
Key Business Strategies
McCaw's success was driven by a series of strategic moves. He identified the potential of cellular technology early on, acquiring licenses and building a nationwide network. His strategy involved aggressive expansion through acquisitions, leveraging debt to fuel growth. McCaw was also known for his ability to identify and capitalize on market opportunities, such as the development of wireless broadband with Clearwire Corporation.
Philanthropy
McCaw is also involved in philanthropy through the COM Family Foundation, which supports education, environmental, and international development projects. He has also served on the boards of The Nature Conservancy and other philanthropic organizations.